Renault Megane eVision Concept Previews French Brand's EV Styling and Technology

Renault on Thursday unveiled a handsome battery-electric crossover SUV concept based on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance's new CMF-EV modular EV platform.

The platform will underpin the upcoming Nissan Ariya, and a production version of this Megane eVision concept is expected around 2021. While the U.S. will not see a Renault, Nissan has decided to sell the Ariya locally starting in late 2021.

Renault says the Megane eVision is a reinvention of the compact hatchback: versatile like an SUV and zero-emissions. However, the production version is not expected to directly replace the Megane hatch. Instead, it may signal an expansion of the Megane family to include a height EV in addition to the existing hatch, sedan, and wagon body styles.

The Megane eVision also hints at the styling direction of Renault's future EVs. Large wheels, deeply sculpted surfaces, and lots of LEDs; interestingly, the way the daytime running lights form switchbacks around body-color-matched panels seems to be inspired by the latest Chevrolet Silverado design.

The concept is powered by a 60-kilowatt-hour battery, which Renault says is thinner than any EV battery currently in production. The battery is mounted low to the floor and powers a single electric motor on the front axle. This is sufficient for 0-62 mph acceleration in less than 8 seconds.

The concept's overall length is only 165 inches, making it ideal for city driving. Its small size also means that it weighs a relatively light 3,630 pounds for an EV. In contrast, Nissan's Ariya is 182.9 inches long and is designed to carry a 90 kwh battery.